Derrick Rogers

By Colleen O'Hara

Mar 12, 2000

Derrick Rogers, Internet and intranet team leader at the General Services Administration, dispels the myth that telecommuters work less than workers in the office. He finds himself working an extra half hour on a project when he works from home — something he does three times a pay period. "I don't mind because I know I'm still home an hour or more earlier than I would be" if he had to commute every day from Washington, D.C., to his home in Fredericksburg, Va. "I find there are less interruptions and fewer meetings," he said.

Telecommuting makes it easier for Rogers to balance his work and home life. "This allows me more time with the family," he said. "It also helps out with appointments. Before I would have taken a half-day leave; now I can schedule them around lunch and get those taken care of."

And when the region gets slapped with a major snowstorm, Rogers added, it's easier to decide whether to stay home or maneuver the icy roads.